Time is right for Shrews defender Joe Jacobson

The Welshman played his part in shutting out a rampant Coventry attack on New Year's Day in what was his first start for nearly a month.

Jacobson was equally solid in last weekend's goalless draw at Scunthorpe when Salop demonstrated how their recent revival has been built on a resolute rearguard ,with goalkeeper Chris Weale the stand-out performer.

So impressive has that defending been that Jacobson is convinced they can extend their run by winning more games now new recruits Steve McGinn and David McAllister are on board to sharpen the midfield.

Jacobson said: "We probably had around 24 players a couple of months ago, but then squad numbers went right down.

"We have had the likes of Ryan Woods, Dominic Smith and Jack Gwilliams filling in on the bench and they are young boys without a lot of experience.

"So to get players in like Stephen is good for us and we have got other players back fit, like Paul Parry."

After becoming a regular in the starting line-up last term after joining from Accrington, Jacobson has been used sparingly by Graham Turner this term.

But he is in line for his third consecutive appearance against struggling Hartlepool tomorrow and admitted: "It's been a frustrating season for me.

"I've played a few games and then been out for a few, whereas I played a hell of a lot of games last year.

"But when Cameron Gayle was ill, the gaffer told me to take my chance at Coventry and I thought I played well to keep my shirt.

"As a defender, to keep a clean sheet is always a positive so, hopefully, I can have a good run."

Pool's visit to the Greenhous Meadow looks a nailed-on home win, as the North-East outfit appear to be hurtling towards League Two despite their surprise victory at Sheffield United at the turn of the year.

But Jacobson warned: "On paper, it seems a little bit easier than it will be. But when we played up at Hartlepool we found them to be a strong, solid team.

"They are quite direct with big Steve Howard up front, so we will have to be really on our game if we want to get the three points.

"But we have been doing well at home and if we can get a win and pull away, perhaps 10 points outside the relegation zone, then we can start looking up the table a little bit.

"If we can close a little gap on mid-table, then who knows what will happen as there's still 19 games to left. To get three clean sheets in a row is great.

"We have only lost one in 10 now, so we're going into games thinking we can beat whoever we're playing against ,rather than being a bit nervous and edgy."

Rock-bottom Hartlepool turned to John Hughes to replace Neale Cooper after failing to land their dream ticket of Phil Brown and Brian Horton.

The Sheffield success is the Scot's only victory to date, but he remains convinced his side can escape the drop although they are 11 points from safety.

The former Hibernian boss declared: "If we can beat the league leaders at their place, then nothing should hold fear for us.

"If we can carry a bit more luck in front of goal then we are capable of beating anyone."

Hughes expects to extend the loan of striker Charlie Wyke from parent club Middlesbrough so the 19-year-old can line up alongside Steve Howard tomorrow.